Methods and apparatuses for synchronizing and managing content over multiple devices

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses detect an active device configured to utilize content; identify the content and a current location of the content; detect an idle device configured to selectively deliver the content; detect a transition parameter for determining a transition to the idle device; and transition the content from the active device to the idle device wherein the idle device is capable of utilizing the content based on the transition parameter.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/890,681, filed Aug. 7, 2007, entitled “METHODS AND APPARATUSES FORSYNCHRONIZING AND MANAGING CONTENT OVER MULTIPLE DEVICES,” the entiredisclosure of which is hereby fully incorporated by reference herein inits entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to detecting image informationand, more particularly, to dynamically detecting and generating imageinformation.

BACKGROUND

There are many audio/visual devices that are capable of reproducingaudio signals and/or displaying visual images to a user. These devicesare typically either mobile devices or stationary devices. Examples ofmobile devices include portable music and video players, cellulartelephones, personal digital assistants, and laptop computers. Examplesof stationary devices include large screen televisions, home stereos,and desktop computers.

The content reproduced for the user on the audio/visual devices mayoriginate from many sources. For example, the content may include mediadistributed via the air waves, cable, the Internet, digital video discs(DVDs), and compact discs (CDs). In addition, there are many ways forthe user to store this content for future use.

Given the flexibility in utilizing and storing the content, there arechallenges in managing the content in such a manner that allows the userto gain convenient access to the content.

SUMMARY

One embodiment provides a method comprising: detecting an active deviceutilizing content and reproducing the content for a user; identifyingthe content and a current location of the content; tracking a locationof the active device as the active device moves; detecting one or morepotential target devices configured to selectively reproduce the contentfor the user; detecting a transition parameter; determining whether atransition to one of the one or more potential target devices shouldoccur based on at least the detected transition parameter; andtransitioning the content from the active device to one of the one ormore potential target devices, wherein the one of the one or morepotential target devices begins utilizing the content and reproducingthe content; wherein the transition parameter comprises the location ofthe active device relative to the one of the one or more potentialtarget devices.

Another embodiment provides a system, comprising: a content detectionmodule configured for detecting content and a current location of thecontent; a device detection module configured for detecting an activedevice and one or more potential target devices and further configuredfor detecting a location for the active device and a location for theone or more potential target devices, wherein the active device and theone or more potential target devices are configured to reproduce thecontent for a user; and a transition module configured for detecting atransition parameter and determining a transition based on thetransition parameter and further configured to selectively transitionutilizing and reproducing the content on the active device to utilizingand reproducing the content on one of the one or more potential targetdevices; wherein the device detection module is further configured totrack the location of the active device as the active device moves;wherein the transition parameter comprises the location of the activedevice relative to the one of the one or more potential target devices.

Another embodiment provides a non-transitory computer-readable mediumhaving computer executable instructions for performing a methodcomprising: detecting an active device utilizing content and reproducingthe content for a user; identifying the content and a current locationof the content; tracking a location of the active device as the activedevice moves; detecting one or more potential target devices configuredto selectively reproduce the content for the user; detecting atransition parameter; determining whether a transition to one of the oneor more potential target devices should occur based on at least thedetected transition parameter; and transitioning the content from theactive device to one of the one or more potential target devices,wherein the one of the one or more potential target devices beginsutilizing the content and reproducing the content; wherein thetransition parameter comprises the location of the active devicerelative to the one of the one or more potential target devices.

In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses detect an active deviceconfigured to utilize content; identify the content and a currentlocation of the content; detect an idle device configured to selectivelydeliver the content; detect a transition parameter for determining atransition to the idle device; and transition the content from theactive device to the idle device wherein the idle device is capable ofutilizing the content based on the transition parameter.

Another embodiment provides a system, comprising: a content detectionmodule configured for detecting content and a current location of thecontent; a device detection module configured for detecting an activedevice and an idle device and further configured for detecting alocation for the active device and a location for the idle device; and atransition module configured for detecting a transition parameter anddetermining a transition based on the transition parameter and furtherconfigured to selectively transition utilizing the content on the activedevice to utilizing the content on the idle device.

Another embodiment provides a computer-readable medium having computerexecutable instructions for performing a method comprising: detecting anactive device configured to utilize content; identifying the content anda current location of the content; detecting an idle device configuredto selectively deliver the content; detecting a transition parameter fordetermining a transition to the idle device; and transitioning thecontent from the active device to the idle device wherein the idledevice is capable of utilizing the content based on the transitionparameter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate and explain one embodiment of themethods and apparatuses for synchronizing and managing content overmultiple devices. In the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an environment within which the methodsand apparatuses for synchronizing and managing content over multipledevices are implemented;

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram illustrating one embodiment inwhich the methods and apparatuses for synchronizing and managing contentover multiple devices are implemented;

FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a system, consistentwith one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for synchronizing andmanaging content over multiple devices;

FIG. 4 a represents an exemplary profile consistent with one embodimentof the methods and apparatuses for synchronizing and managing contentover multiple devices are implemented;

FIG. 4 b represents an exemplary profile consistent with one embodimentof the methods and apparatuses for synchronizing and managing contentover multiple devices are implemented;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary record consistent with one embodiment ofthe methods and apparatuses for synchronizing and managing content overmultiple devices; and

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram consistent with one embodiment of the methodsand apparatuses for synchronizing and managing content over multipledevices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description of the methods and apparatuses forsynchronizing and managing content over multiple devices refers to theaccompanying drawings. The detailed description is not intended to limitthe methods and apparatuses for synchronizing and managing content overmultiple devices. Instead, the scope of the methods and apparatuses forautomatically selecting a profile is defined by the appended claims andequivalents. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many otherimplementations are possible, consistent with the methods andapparatuses for synchronizing and managing content over multipledevices.

References to “electronic device” includes a device such as a personaldigital video recorder, digital audio player, gaming console, a set topbox, a personal computer, a cellular telephone, a personal digitalassistant, a specialized computer such as an electronic interface withan automobile, and the like.

References to “content” includes audio streams, images, video streams,photographs, graphical displays, text files, software applications,electronic messages, and the like.

References to locating a device or user can be accomplished by utilizingglobal positioning technology, motion detection sensors, WiFi signalstrengths, heat detectors, voice recognition, sound detection,traditional switches within doors and windows, and the like. Further,transmitters that emit a signal may be embedded within the device orattached near the user to aid in tracking the location of the user ordevice.

In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses for synchronizing andmanaging content over multiple devices are configured to manage contentacross multiple devices. In one embodiment, the content and multipledevices are managed based on parameters such as the location of the userrelative to other devices, the location of the device relative to otherdevices, the usage patterns, connectivity coverage areas, and/or device.In one embodiment, the content is displayed in a seamless fashion acrossmultiple devices and across multiple device connections.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an environment within which the methodsand apparatuses for synchronizing and managing content over multipledevices are implemented. The environment includes an electronic device110 (e.g., a computing platform configured to act as a client device,such as a personal digital video recorder, digital audio player,computer, a personal digital assistant, a cellular telephone, a cameradevice, a set top box, a gaming console), a user interface 115, anetwork 120 (e.g., a local area network, a home network, the Internet),and a server 130 (e.g., a computing platform configured to act as aserver). In one embodiment, the network 120 can be implemented viawireless or wired solutions.

In one embodiment, one or more user interface 115 components are madeintegral with the electronic device 110 (e.g., keypad and video displayscreen input and output interfaces in the same housing as personaldigital assistant electronics (e.g., as in a Clie® manufactured by SonyCorporation)). In other embodiments, one or more user interface 115components (e.g., a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse andtrackball, a microphone, a speaker, a display, a camera) are physicallyseparate from, and are conventionally coupled to, electronic device 110.The user utilizes interface 115 to access and control content andapplications stored in electronic device 110, server 130, or a remotestorage device (not shown) coupled via network 120.

In accordance with the invention, embodiments for synchronizing andmanaging content over multiple devices as described below are executedby an electronic processor in electronic device 110, in server 130, orby processors in electronic device 110 and in server 130 actingtogether. Server 130 is illustrated in FIG. 1 as being a singlecomputing platform, but in other instances are two or moreinterconnected computing platforms that act as a server.

FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram illustrating an exemplary architecture inwhich the methods and apparatuses for synchronizing and managing contentover multiple devices are implemented. The exemplary architectureincludes a plurality of electronic devices 110, a server device 130, anda network 120 connecting electronic devices 110 to server 130 and eachelectronic device 110 to each other. The plurality of electronic devices110 are each configured to include a computer-readable medium 209, suchas random access memory, coupled to an electronic processor 208.Processor 208 executes program instructions stored in thecomputer-readable medium 209. A unique user operates each electronicdevice 110 via an interface 115 as described with reference to FIG. 1.

Server device 130 includes a processor 211 coupled to acomputer-readable medium 212. In one embodiment, the server device 130is coupled to one or more additional external or internal devices, suchas, without limitation, a secondary data storage element, such asdatabase 240.

In one instance, processors 208 and 211 are manufactured by IntelCorporation, of Santa Clara, Calif. In other instances, othermicroprocessors are used.

The plurality of client devices 110 and the server 130 includeinstructions for a customized application for synchronizing and managingcontent over multiple devices. In one embodiment, the plurality ofcomputer-readable medium 209 and 212 contain, in part, the customizedapplication. Additionally, the plurality of client devices 110 and theserver 130 are configured to receive and transmit electronic messagesfor use with the customized application. Similarly, the network 120 isconfigured to transmit electronic messages for use with the customizedapplication.

One or more user applications are stored in memories 209, in memory 211,or a single user application is stored in part in one memory 209 and inpart in memory 211. In one instance, a stored user application,regardless of storage location, is made customizable based onsynchronizing and managing content over multiple devices as determinedusing embodiments described below.

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a system 300 for synchronizing andmanaging content over multiple devices. The system 300 includes acontent detection module 310, a device detection module 320, a storagemodule 330, an interface module 340, a control module 350, a profilemodule 360, a user detection module 370, and a transition module 380.

In one embodiment, the control module 350 communicates with the contentdetection module 310, the device detection module 320, the storagemodule 330, the interface module 340, the profile module 360, the userdetection module 370, and the transition module 380.

In one embodiment, the control module 350 coordinates tasks, requests,and communications between the content detection module 310, the devicedetection module 320, the storage module 330, the interface module 340,the profile module 360, the user detection module 370, and thetransition module 380.

In one embodiment, the content detection module 310 detects content suchas images, text, graphics, video, audio, and the like. In oneembodiment, the content includes interactive content associated with avideo game, a simulation, and the like. For example, the interactivecontent may include a location within a video game in progress, a listof players within a video game in progress, a level achieved within avideo game in progress, a score of a video game in progress. In oneembodiment, the content detection module 310 is configured to uniquelyidentify the content. In another embodiment, the content detectionmodule 310 is also configured to bookmark a location within the content.

In addition to detecting the content, the content detection module 310detects a current location of the content while being utilized in oneembodiment. If the content is a video and the video is being viewed,then the current location of the video is dynamically detected as themost current point at which the video is being viewed. For example, ifthe video is being viewed and the most current time stamp of the videois at 1 hour, 23 minutes, and 40 seconds, this time stamp represents thecurrent location of the content. Further, the current locationdynamically changes as the content such as the video is being viewed.

In one embodiment, the device detection module 320 detects a presence ofdevices. In one embodiment, the devices include stationary devices suchas video cassette recorders, DVD players, and televisions. In anotherembodiment, the devices also include portable devices such as laptopcomputers, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants, portablemusic players, and portable video players.

In one embodiment, the device detection module 320 detects each devicefor status, stored content, content being utilized, specific userutilizing the device, and the like. In one embodiment, status of thedevice includes whether the device is on, off, playing content, and thelike.

In one embodiment, the device detection module 320 also detects thelocation and movement of each device. In one embodiment, a globalpositioning system (GPS) is included within each device to track thelocation and movement of each device. In another embodiment, localizedsensors are utilized to track the location and movement of each device.

In one embodiment, the device detection module 320 also detects the typeof connection that is available to the device. For example, connectiontypes include WiFi access, wired broadband access, satellite access,cellular access, text messaging access, and the like.

In one embodiment, the device detection module 320 also detects signalsfrom each device. The signals may indicate the specific content playingon the device, the location of the device, a desire to switch devices,and the like.

In another embodiment, the signals from each device may also indicate atransition from playing a specific content on one device to playing thespecific content on a different device. Further, the signals from eachdevice may also indicate that the device currently playing the specificcontent is moving out of range of the current connection such as WiFiaccess.

In one embodiment, the storage module 330 stores a plurality of profileswherein each profile is associated with various content and other dataassociated with the content. In one embodiment, the profile storesexemplary information as shown in a profile in FIG. 6. In oneembodiment, the storage module 330 is located within the server device130. In another embodiment, portions of the storage module 330 arelocated within the electronic device 110.

In one embodiment, the interface module 340 detects the electronicdevice 110 as the electronic device 110 is connected to the network 120.

In another embodiment, the interface module 340 detects input from theinterface device 115 such as a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a stillcamera, a video camera, and the like.

In yet another embodiment, the interface module 340 provides output tothe interface device 115 such as a display, speakers, external storagedevices, an external network, and the like.

In one embodiment, the profile module 360 processes profile informationrelated to the specific content. In one embodiment, exemplary profileinformation is shown within a record illustrated in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b.In one embodiment, each profile corresponds with a particular user. Inanother embodiment, each profile corresponds with a particular device.

In one embodiment, the user detection module 370 detects the identity ofthe user of the device. For example, a particular user may be associatedwith a particular device such that when the particular device isdetected, the particular user is also detected. In another example, aparticular user may utilize a log-in identification that uniquelyidentifies the particular user.

In one embodiment, the transition module 380 coordinates a transitionassociated with changing usage of content on a device, changingconnectivity of a device, changing usage of a device, and/or changing alocation of a user of a device. For example, content that is beingplayed by the user can be paused, stopped, initiated, or repositioned.This change in usage of the content is noted by the transition module380 for later use in one embodiment. In another example, theconnectivity of the device may change due to movement of the device. Inyet another example, the user may choose to change devices while stillutilizing the same content prior to switching devices. In yet anotherexample, the user may change locations that would lead to a change inthe device being utilized while still utilizing the same content.

In one embodiment, initiation of the transition by the transition module380 relies on the content detection module 310, the device detectionmodule 320, and/or the user detection module 340. Further, signals maybe utilized to notify the transition module 380 of this transition.

The system 300 in FIG. 3 is shown for exemplary purposes and is merelyone embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for synchronizing andmanaging content over multiple devices. Additional modules may be addedto the system 300 without departing from the scope of the methods andapparatuses for synchronizing and managing content over multipledevices. Similarly, modules may be combined or deleted without departingfrom the scope of the methods and apparatuses for synchronizing andmanaging content over multiple devices.

FIG. 4 a illustrates a simplified record 400 that corresponds to aprofile that describes a user. In one embodiment, the record 400 isstored within the storage module 330 and utilized within the system 300.In one embodiment, the record 400 includes a user identification field405, a device field 410, a content field 415, a usage pattern field 420,and a location field 425.

In one embodiment, the user identification field 405 identifies a userassociated with the record 400. In one example, a user's name isutilized as a label for the user identification field 405.

In one embodiment, the device field 410 identifies device(s) associatedwith the record 400. In one embodiment, the device(s) identified withinthe device field 410 represent device(s) that are available to beutilized by the user. In one embodiment, the device(s) identified withinthe device field 410 represent devices that are activated and currentlyavailable for use by the user. In another embodiment, the device(s)identified within the device field 410 represent devices that areassociated with the user but may not currently be activated andavailable for use by the user.

In one embodiment, the content field 415 identifies content that isassociated with the user corresponding with the record 400. In oneembodiment, the user owns the content. In another embodiment, the userhas access to the content. In one embodiment, the content includes audiomedia, video media, and/or graphical media.

In one embodiment, the usage patterns field 420 stores different usagepatterns associated with the user corresponding with the record 400. Inone embodiment, typical usage patterns include the specific content ortype of content utilized during a particular time of day; the devicesutilized; and the connection type of the devices (such as wiredbroadband, WiFi, cellular, and the like).

In one embodiment, the location field 425 stores location(s) visited bythe user. In one embodiment, the location includes the user's place ofwork, home, transportation routes, and the like.

FIG. 4 b illustrates a simplified record 450 that corresponds to aprofile that describes a device. In one embodiment, the record 450 isstored within the storage module 330 and utilized within the system 300.In one embodiment, the record 450 includes a device identification field455, a connection type field 460, a content stored field 465, and alocation field 470.

In one embodiment, the device identification field 455 identifies adevice that is associated with the record 400. In one example, adevice's name is utilized as a label for the user identification field405. In another example, a device's serial number is utilized as a labelfor the user identification field 405.

In one embodiment, the connection type field 460 identifies a connectionassociated with the identified device. For example, if the identifieddevice is a laptop computer with a WiFi connection and a wired Ethernetconnection, then the connection type may indicate a broadband connectionthrough WiFi and Ethernet. Further, the connection types may be limitedvia geography/location such that the WiFi connection may only beavailable in predetermined locations or when a WiFi connection isdetected, in one embodiment.

In one embodiment, the content stored field 465 identifies content thatis stored within the identified device. In one embodiment, the devicelocally stores the content. In another embodiment, the device has accessto the content. In one embodiment, the content includes audio media,video media, and/or graphical media. In one embodiment, the contentincludes interactive content associated with a video game, a simulation,and the like. For example, the interactive content may include alocation within a video game in progress, a list of players within avideo game in progress, a level achieved within a video game inprogress, a score of a video game in progress.

In one embodiment, the location field 470 stores location(s) detected bythe identified device. In one embodiment, the location includes theuser's place of work, home, transportation routes, and the like.

The flow diagrams as depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6 are one embodiment of themethods and apparatuses for synchronizing and managing content overmultiple devices. The blocks within the flow diagrams can be performedin a different sequence without departing from the spirit of the methodsand apparatuses for synchronizing and managing content over multipledevices. Further, blocks can be deleted, added, or combined withoutdeparting from the spirit of the methods and apparatuses forsynchronizing and managing content over multiple devices.

The flow diagram in FIG. 5 illustrates transitioning content todifferent devices according to one embodiment of the invention.

In Block 510, a user is detected. In one embodiment, an exemplaryprofile as illustrated in FIG. 4 a is detected. In one embodiment, thelocation of the user is also detected.

In Block 520, content that is utilized by the detected user is alsodetected. In one embodiment, specific content such as a television showthat is being viewed by the user is detected and identified. In anotherembodiment, the current location of the content being utilized is alsoidentified. For example, the current location or time of the televisionshow is identified and updated as the user watches the television show.

In one embodiment, content that is accessed by the user is limited basedon the identity of the user. For example, if the user is determined tobe a minor, then adult content is not available to this user.

In Block 530, a device that is utilizing the content is identified. Inanother embodiment, multiple devices that are associated with the userare identified. In this case, devices that are not utilizing the contentare also identified. In one embodiment, the locations of the devices arealso detected.

In Block 540, transition parameters are detected. In one embodiment,transition parameters include: the location of the user relative to thedevices, the location of the device utilizing the content relative toother devices, the location of the device utilizing the content relativeto a connection source, the location of the device utilizing the contentrelative to a predefined defined area, usage patterns, and/or atransition signal.

In one embodiment, as the user moves from an initial location to atarget location, the user may move farther from an active deviceutilizing the content and towards an idle device where both the activeand idle devices are associated with the user. This movement from theactive device towards the idle device is an exemplary transitionparameter and may lead to terminating the content on the active deviceand initiating the content on the idle device for the user. In oneexample, the active device is a television in a bedroom, and the idledevice another television in the kitchen.

In one embodiment, as an active device that is currently utilizingcontent moves from an initial location to a target location, the activedevice may move towards an idle device where both the active and idledevices are associated with the user. This movement of the active devicetowards the idle device is an exemplary transition parameter and maylead to terminating the content on the active device and initiating thecontent on the idle device for the user. In one example, the activedevice is a PDA that is playing a video clip, and the idle device atelevision capable of viewing the video clip.

In one embodiment, as an active device that is currently utilizingcontent moves from an initial location to a target location, the activedevice may move away from a current connection source where the activeis delivering content through the current connection source to the user.This movement of the active device away from the current connectionsource may lead to terminating the content on the active device andinitiating the content on a device that is not connected to the currentsource connection to deliver the content to the user. In one example,the active device is a PDA that is playing a video clip that is streamedfrom a WiFi network as the current source connection. As the PDA movesout of range from the current source connection, the PDA is configuredto continue playing the video clip without the current sourceconnection.

In one embodiment, as an active device that is currently utilizingcontent moves from an initial location to a target location, the activedevice may move towards the boundary of a predefined area where theactive device is delivering content through a connection within thepredefined area to the user. This movement of the active device towardsthe boundary of the predefined area may lead to terminating the contenton the active device and initiating the content on a different device todeliver the content to the user.

In one embodiment, the usage pattern illustrates certain patternsassociated with the user such as usage of specific content in particularlocations or at particular times. Further, usage patterns may alsoillustrates patterns associated with usage of particular devices aswell.

In one embodiment, the transition signal may be an explicit instructionfrom the user to begin a transition that indicates an upcoming change inlocation, device, content, and the like. A button, trigger, or otherinterface means can be utilized by the user to indicate the transitionsignal.

In Block 550, a transition is detected. In one embodiment, a transitionis detected based on the transition parameters described within theBlock 540. In one embodiment, a single transition parameter is utilizedto determine a transition. In another embodiment, multiple transitionparameters are utilized to determine a transition.

If a transition is not detected within the Block 550, then the utilizedcontent is detected within the Block 520.

If a transition is detected within the Block 550, then additionalcontent is pre-loaded onto a target device in Block 560. In oneembodiment, the additional content is identified based on the utilizedcontent. For example, if the utilized content is a video stream, thenthe additional content that is pre-loaded onto the target device is theremaining, unviewed portion of the video stream in one embodiment. Inanother example, if the utilized content is a video stream, then theentire video stream is pre-loaded onto the target device such that theentire video stream will be available to the target device.

In one embodiment, the target device is the same device that isutilizing the content within the Block 520. In another embodiment, thetarget device is a different device from the device that is utilizingthe content within the Block 520.

In Block 570, the pre-loaded content on the target device issynchronized based on the current location of the content being utilizedwithin the Block 520. For example, if the pre-loaded content within thetarget device includes ten minutes of audio stream and only five minutesof the audio stream has been utilized based on the Block 520, then theaudio stream on the target device is positioned to the five minute markin one embodiment.

The flow diagram in FIG. 6 illustrates transitioning to differentdevices according to one embodiment of the invention.

In Block 610, a user is detected. In one embodiment, an exemplaryprofile as illustrated in FIG. 4 a is detected. In one embodiment, thelocation of the user is also detected.

In Block 620, content and an initial device that is utilized by thedetected user is also detected. In one embodiment, specific content suchas a television show that is being viewed by the user is detected andidentified. In another embodiment, the current location of the contentbeing utilized is also identified. For example, the current location ortime of the television show is identified and updated as the userwatches the television show. Further, the television device utilized toview the television show is also detected.

In Block 630, devices associated with the user are identified. In thiscase, devices that are not utilizing the content are also identified. Inone embodiment, the locations of the devices are also detected. In oneembodiment, the devices identified with the user are demonstrated withinthe user profile.

In Block 640, content is transmitted to the devices identified withinBlock 630. In one embodiment, the content is identified based on theutilized content detected in Block 620. For example, if the utilizedcontent is a video stream, then the additional content that istransmitted to the detected devices is the remaining, unviewed portionof the video stream in one embodiment. In another example, if theutilized content is a video stream, then the entire video stream istransmitted to the detected devices such that the entire video streamwill be available to the detected devices.

In Block 650, a location of the detected user is tracked. In oneembodiment, the location of the detected user tracked by sensorssurrounding the detected user. For example, if the detected user islocated within the user's home, multiple sensors located throughout theuser's home may be utilized to track the location of the user. Inanother embodiment, a global positioning system may be utilized to trackthe location of the user. In yet another embodiment, the initial device(detected within the Block 620) may be portable and may follow the usersuch that tracking the location of the utilized device will also trackthe location of the user.

In Block 660, transition parameters are utilized. In one embodiment,transition parameters include: the location of the user relative to thedevices, the location of the device utilizing the content relative toother devices, the location of the device utilizing the content relativeto a predefined defined area.

In one embodiment, as the user moves from an initial location to atarget location, the user may move farther from an active deviceutilizing the content and towards an idle device where both the activeand idle devices are associated with the user. This movement from theactive device towards the idle device is an exemplary transitionparameter and may lead to terminating the content on the active deviceand initiating the content on the idle device for the user. In oneexample, the active device is a television in a bedroom, and the idledevice another television in the kitchen.

In one embodiment, as an active device that is currently utilizingcontent moves from an initial location to a target location, the activedevice may move towards an idle device where both the active and idledevices are associated with the user. This movement of the active devicetowards the idle device is an exemplary transition parameter and maylead to terminating the content on the active device and initiating thecontent on the idle device for the user. In one example, the activedevice is a PDA that is playing a video clip, and the idle device atelevision capable of viewing the video clip.

In one embodiment, as an active device that is currently utilizingcontent moves from an initial location to a target location, the activedevice may move towards the boundary of a predefined area where theactive device is delivering content through a connection within thepredefined area to the user. This movement of the active device towardsthe boundary of the predefined area may lead to terminating the contenton the active device and initiating the content on a different device todeliver the content to the user. For example, the predefined area mayinclude a room within the user's house.

In Block 660, a transition is detected. In one embodiment, a transitionis detected based on the transition parameters. In one embodiment, asingle transition parameter is utilized to determine a transition. Inanother embodiment, multiple transition parameters are utilized todetermine a transition.

If a transition is not detected within the Block 660, then the utilizedcontent is detected within the Block 620.

If a transition is detected within the Block 660, then a new device isinitiated in Block 670. In one embodiment, the new device is selectedfrom the devices detected within the Block 630. In one embodiment, thenew device is selected based on the location of the user and/or thelocation of the initial device within the Block 620.

In one embodiment, initiation of the new device also includessynchronized based on the current location of the utilized content beingdetected within the Block 620. For example, if the utilized content(which is an audio stream) within the initial device is currentlyplaying at the 30 second mark of the audio stream, then the audio streamon the new device is positioned at the 30 second mark in one embodiment.

In another embodiment, if the user is located far enough away from theinitial device and the new device, both the initial device and the newdevice may pause the utilized content until the user returns withinrange of either the initial device or the new device.

In Block 680, the initial device is terminated. In one embodiment, theinitial device terminates playing the utilized content. In anotherembodiment, the initial device switches into a “sleep” mode thatconsumes less power. In yet another embodiment, the initial deviceswitches into an “off” state that consumes almost no power.

In one example, a user has specific usage pattern stored within the userprofile and utilizes the system 300 and described embodiments to performthe user's tasks. This example is merely shown to illustrates oneembodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the user detectionmodule 370 detects the user waking up in the morning at the user's houseby detecting a light switch being turned on, a motion detector withinthe user's bedroom, an electronic toothbrush being used, and the like.Based on the location of the user, the stereo in the user's bathroom isactivated and the news station provides the morning news to the userbased on the user's usage patterns stored within the user's profile.Next, a motion detection sensor can detect the user moving into adifferent room within the user's house. In one embodiment, the devicedetection module 320 detects other devices that are near the user as theuser moves through the house. In one embodiment, the content detectionmodule 310 tracks the content utilized by the user (the morning news).Through the transition module 380, the morning news is initiated on adifferent device such as a television device within the user's livingroom as the user moves into the living room. As the user moves out ofthe bathroom and into the living room, the stereo providing the morningnews to the bathroom area is terminated. As the user prepares to leavehis house in the morning, the system 300 begins another transition as avariety of news content is pre-loaded onto the user's portable audioplayer. In this example, the portable audio player is not equipped witha wireless connection, so the content is pre-loaded with news contentfor the user prior to disconnecting with the docking station at theuser's house.

As the user leaves the house, the devices within the house areterminated in one embodiment. The user is able to continue receivingnews content through the portable audio player as the user leaves thehouse. Although the news content on the portable audio player is nolonger streaming in real-time after the user disconnects the portableaudio player from the docking station, the pre-loaded content on theportable audio player may contain news content from a variety ofsources.

In another embodiment, if the user was listening to a pre-recorded audiostream while in the user's house, the pre-loaded content transmitted tothe portable audio player would be this pre-recorded audio stream. Asthe user leaves the house, the pre-recorded audio stream on the portableaudio player would begin playing where the user left off prior toleaving the house.

In another embodiment, when the user returns to a location that allowsthe portable audio player to be connected via a WiFi connection or awired connection, additional content is streamed to the portable audioplayer for recording for future use or utilized in real time by theuser.

In another example, a user of a gaming console may be playing a game.During the game, the user may wish to disconnect the gaming console andphysically bring the gaming console to a friend's house. In oneembodiment, the location of the current game as paused by the user isstored and the gaming console is placed in a sleep or power off mode toconserve power. Once plugged back in at the user's destination (at thefriend's house), then the gaming console is placed into an active modeand can resume the current game where the user stopped prior to movingthe gaming console.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention havebeen presented for purposes of illustration and description. Forexample, the invention is described within the context of dynamicallydetecting and generating image information as merely one embodiment ofthe invention. The invention may be applied to a variety of otherapplications.

They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to theprecise embodiments disclosed, and naturally many modifications andvariations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodimentswere chosen and described in order to explain the principles of theinvention and its practical application, to thereby enable othersskilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodimentswith various modifications as are suited to the particular usecontemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be definedby the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: detecting an active deviceutilizing content and reproducing the content for a user; identifyingthe content and a current location of the content; tracking a locationof the active device as the active device moves; detecting one or morepotential target devices configured to selectively reproduce the contentfor the user; detecting a transition parameter; determining whether atransition to one of the one or more potential target devices shouldoccur based on at least the detected transition parameter; andtransitioning the content from the active device to one of the one ormore potential target devices, wherein the one of the one or morepotential target devices begins utilizing the content and reproducingthe content; wherein the transition parameter comprises the location ofthe active device relative to the one of the one or more potentialtarget devices.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein thedetecting one or more potential target devices comprises obtaining alist of devices associated with the user from a profile for the user,detecting a presence of devices included on the list, and then detectingeach of the present devices for information including status, storedcontent, and content being utilized.
 3. The method according to claim 1,wherein a plurality of transition parameters are used to determine thetransition.
 4. The method according to claim 1, further comprisingdetecting a location of the user.
 5. The method according to claim 1,wherein the transition parameter further comprises at least one of: ausage pattern, and a transition signal.
 6. The method according to claim1, further comprising storing the current location of the content. 7.The method according to claim 1, further comprising terminating theactive device based on the transition parameter.
 8. The method accordingto claim 1, further comprising initiating the one of the one or morepotential target devices to utilize the content and reproduce thecontent at the current location of the content.
 9. The method accordingto claim 1, further comprising preloading the content onto the one ofthe one or more potential target devices.
 10. The method according toclaim 1, further comprising preloading additional content onto the oneof the one or more potential target devices.
 11. The method according toclaim 1, further comprising simultaneously utilizing the content on theactive device and the one of the one or more potential target devices.12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the transitioning thecontent from the active device to one of the one or more potentialtarget devices comprises transitioning the content from the activedevice to one of the one or more potential target devices when thelocation of the active device is within a first distance from the one ofthe one or more potential target devices.
 13. The method according toclaim 1, wherein the transitioning the content from the active device toone of the one or more potential target devices comprises pausing thecontent on the active device when the location of the active device iswithin a second distance from the one of the one or more potentialtarget devices.
 14. A system, comprising: a processor; and anon-transitory computer readable storage medium storing computerexecutable instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause theprocessor to perform the steps of: detecting content and a currentlocation of the content; detecting an active device and one or morepotential target devices and further configured for detecting a locationfor the active device and a location for the one or more potentialtarget devices, wherein the active device and the one or more potentialtarget devices are configured to reproduce the content for a user; anddetecting a transition parameter and determining a transition based onthe transition parameter and further configured to selectivelytransition utilizing and reproducing the content on the active device toutilizing and reproducing the content on one of the one or morepotential target devices; wherein detecting the active device furthercomprises tracking the location of the active device as the activedevice moves; wherein the transition parameter comprises the location ofthe active device relative to the one of the one or more potentialtarget devices.
 15. The system according to claim 14, wherein thedetecting one or more potential target devices comprises obtaining alist of devices associated with the user from a profile for the user,detecting a presence of devices included on the list, and then detectingeach of the present devices for information including status, storedcontent, and content being utilized.
 16. The system according to claim14, wherein a plurality of transition parameters are used to determinethe transition.
 17. The system according to claim 14, wherein theprocessor is further caused to perform the step of detecting a locationof the user.
 18. The system according to claim 14, wherein thetransition parameter further comprises at least one of: a usage pattern,and a transition signal.
 19. The system according to claim 14, whereinthe processor is further caused to perform the step of synchronizing thecontent such that the one of the one or more potential target devices isconfigured to utilize the content at the current location of thecontent.
 20. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having computerexecutable instructions for performing a method comprising: detecting anactive device utilizing content and reproducing the content for a user;identifying the content and a current location of the content; trackinga location of the active device as the active device moves; detectingone or more potential target devices configured to selectively reproducethe content for the user; detecting a transition parameter; determiningwhether a transition to one of the one or more potential target devicesshould occur based on at least the detected transition parameter; andtransitioning the content from the active device to one of the one ormore potential target devices, wherein the one of the one or morepotential target devices begins utilizing the content and reproducingthe content; wherein the transition parameter comprises the location ofthe active device relative to the one of the one or more potentialtarget devices.
 21. The non-transitory computer-readable mediumaccording to claim 20, wherein the detecting one or more potentialtarget devices comprises obtaining a list of devices associated with theuser from a profile for the user, detecting a presence of devicesincluded on the list, and then detecting each of the present devices forinformation including status, stored content, and content beingutilized.
 22. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according toclaim 20, wherein a plurality of transition parameters are used todetermine the transition.
 23. The non-transitory computer-readablemedium according to claim 20, wherein the method further comprisesdetecting a location of the user.
 24. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium according to claim 20, wherein the transitionparameter further comprises at least one of: a usage pattern, and atransition signal.